Landis Complex is thriving with reuse by D.L. George and Sons

Rep. Todd Rock has moved into revamped office space at former Landis Tool Co.

Denise Bonura/The Record Herald

Big things have taken shape for D.L. George and Sons since moving to the Landis Complex on East Sixth Street in the Borough of Waynesboro.

The Georges — owner Dave with sons John and Travis — held an open house and chamber mixer Tuesday evening to welcome the community to state Rep. Todd Rock’s new office in the revamped space attached to the manufacturing facility.

John and Travis George, partners with GEOFAM — a separate corporation of D.L. George and Sons — purchased the former Landis Tool Co. property in 2009 and moved the manufacturing division of the company from its Midvale Road location to the complex. The company’s construction and transportation divisions are still on Midvale Road.

Rock, a Republican who represents Franklin County, said the new location meets standards to accommodate handicapped constituents, and he had nothing but good things to say about the George family and the new space.

“Anything you need, they are willing to provide it to you,” Rock said, who was pleased with Tuesday’s turnout.

Growing operations

The George family said there is still 45,000-square-feet of open office space in the building, and several prospects are in the works to lease offices. Thousands of square feet are also available for lease in the manufacturing side of the building.

“I know I have told a lot of people about this place,” Franklin County Commissioner Bob Thomas said. “This is some of the best office space in Franklin County. This is like a shopping center for office space.

“Dave George and his family are true entrepreneurs. That’s what it takes to succeed. He bought this building when no one else wanted it. Had they not bought this building, I don’t know what could have happened with it, but it would likely be a black hole in Waynesboro,” Thomas continued.

Travis George said the main floor of office space in the three-story building is completely renovated, and the next step is to renovate the ground floor.

The building even houses a room dedicated to Dave George’s local memorabilia, including some staples from the history of Landis.

“I think it’s wonderful what Dave is doing with the facility here. It would be nice if the office space got filled up,” said Rick Mouer of Waynesboro, who worked at Landis for 22 years.

The other divisions of the company have also grown, including the start of a warehousing division.“The manufacturing division really exploded because of all the extra room we have,” Travis George said, adding the location is a good spot between major thoroughfares like Interstate 81 and Interstate 70.

D.L. George currently employs around 230 people, up from 170 in 2009.

“This was a whole new era for D.L. George and Sons,” Dave George said. “This facility has been and is the premier facility in Waynesboro. When you say ‘Landis Tool Co.,’ it has been a mainstay in this town for years.”

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